At a glance

PROS

Sporty image

Affordable running costs

Characterful turbocharged petrol engine

Neat handling

Economical TDI available

CONS

Petrol only available with a sequential automatic gearbox

Verdict

Sitting between the standard Ibiza range and the high performance Cupra is the FR model. It has similarly sporty styling to the Cupra with large bumpers and 17-inch alloys, but unlike the quickest model, the FR is available with both three and five doors, making it more practical for family buyers. It's available with the same twin charged 1.4 TSI engine and although power is reduced to 150bhp (compared to 180bhp in the Cupra) it still pulls strongly from low revs. It's good to drive too with stiffened sports suspension and sharp steering, but what may surprise many is the lack of a manual gearbox on the petrol. Instead it only available with a sequential DSG gearbox which isn't quite as enjoyable to use as a manual. However, in 2010 an impressively economical TDI version was added to the line-up which uses a slick six-speed manual gearbox.